French surrender conditions in the Strategy Guide vs the current game

[Helsingor]

Forgive me if this is in the SG somewhere and I just missed it, but I don't think it is.
As I have learned from playing in MP, ALL of France will surrender (no need for the Axis to settle for half-a-loaf Vichy) if there is an Axis unit within two hexes of Algiers. Well and good, but I suspect many less-experienced players do not know this, thus setting up a fairly cheap stratagem by savvy Axis players.

Full disclosure, I have benefited from this in a couple of recent MP games, so I am ratting myself out here, but I think the game would be a bit more enjoyable if all players could be made aware of this rule. If it's not in the SG, it should be; particular as many players of old WiE (like myself), have a "muscle memory" of having to actually capture Algiers to get all of France.

Getting French positions in North Africa and Syria is hugely beneficial to the Axis and comes with no immediate downside (in the form of a US or Russian mobilization bump), so I think most players who knew about the (new?) rule regarding proximity to Algiers would at least park a Garrison unit in Constantine.

[BillRunacre]

Hi Helsingor

It is in there, under the Decision to form Vichy France.

[HamburgerMeat]

Just out of curiousity, why was it changed from having to take Algiers? The condition as it is now is easy to fulfill vs an unsuspecting player

[Treefrog]

I confess that I don't find this language or suggestion of this language/result in DE 602 page 42 of Strategy Guide:

"ALL of France will surrender (no need for the Axis to settle for half-a-loaf Vichy) if there is an Axis unit within two hexes of Algiers."

So for example if the Italian army at Tripoli advances and occupies Constantine at the moment the French offer to surrender, then all of Frances surrenders and all her units disappear?

[sveint]

I think it's within 2 hexes of the city. It's worth attempting as the Axis if the French leave an opening (not worth spending any effort on).

Walk a unit like the tank through Tunisia. If you meet resistance, retreat.

[Helsingor]

Sveint, I have just read the SG (page 42, DE 602) again and I too can't see any mention of the "within two hexes of Algiers" rule. Maybe it's implied somehow, but I can't see it directly stated.

I actually don't have a problem with the rule, as long as everyone knows about it. The Allied player can block any small-scale raid fairly easily, meaning that the Axis must mount a serious effort to get to the neighborhood of Algiers. I think if the Axis had to take Algiers, it would be nearly impossible. It used to be possible (with luck) to grab Oran and get to Algiers from the west, but that was when you could load up an Italian amphib unit while still neutral

[sveint]

Well then it is even easier and something every Axis player should try to pull off.

[Treefrog]

it is in the errata for the newest patch

[Helsingor]

Thanks, Treefrog. The fact that's in the errata would explain why lots of players don't know about it. I hate to complain, but it would be nice if the online strategy guide could be updated to keep abreast of key changes like this. Having this information while your opponent doesn't feels like an unfair advantage.

But I still am enjoying the game very much.

[ThunderLizard11]

Only taken Algiers once when a player left it unguarded. Would have to have an HQ and several units moving through Tunisa so not sure it's worth the time and effort.

[BillRunacre]

I've checked the Strategy Guide my end as it does mention, so it might be that I've only added mention of it recently for the forthcoming patch. But it will be in there when it's released. [:)]

[Helsingor]

Thanks for your quick response, and for putting up with the carping of a newbie. I really enjoy the game and T really appreciate how responsive the designers are! You guys are the gold standard, form my experience with other games.

[BillRunacre]

Thanks Helsingor! [:)]